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History's Heroes: Daily Summaries Delivered
by BBC Radio 4
History's Heroes: the BBC's breathtaking, high stakes, story-led history podcast feed that shines a light on extraordinary people from across history. Series include 'History's Heroes' with narration from Historian Alex von Tunzelmann, 'History's Toughest Heroes' with narration from Ray Winstone, 'History's Youngest Heroes' with narration from Nicola Coughlan and 'History's Secret Heroes' with narration from Helena Bonham Carter. In History's Heroes, Historian Alex von Tunzelmann (Radio 4's The History Podcast: The Lucan Obsession/writer of all the History's Heroes series) shines a light on the inspiring and unusual stories of courage, pioneering and people who used their voice to spark change. Heroes covered include groundbreaking surgeon Harold Gillies, composers Rodgers and Hammerstein and swimming champion Gertrude Ederle. Stories feature bold voices, brave ideas and the courage to stand alone. In History's Toughest Heroes, Ray Winstone reveals wild, true tales of endurance and survival.
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- 2 days ago30 min
History's Secret Heroes - Series 4: Fritz Bauer: Nazi Hunter
A German Jewish prosecutor called Fritz Bauer is on a mission to bring a notorious Nazi war criminal to justice. Adolf Eichman, one of the architects of the Holocaust, has fled Germany, his whereabouts unknown. How did Bauer find him?With historian Jack Fairweather and Fritz Bauer’s great niece, Marit Tiefenthal.Helena Bonham Carter shines a light on extraordinary stories from World War Two. Join her for incredible tales of deception, acts of resistance and courage.A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds. Producer: Lorna Reader Executive Producer: Paul Smith Written by Alex von Tunzelmann Commissioning editor for Radio 4: Rhian Roberts
- 1 weeks ago29 min
History's Secret Heroes - Series 4: The Brothers Who Fought Mussolini
In Fascist Italy, a group of seven brothers join the resistance. The Cervis shelter fugitives on their farm and distribute anti-fascist literature. But in doing so, they make themselves targets. With filmmaker Liviana Davi and historian Philip Cooke. Helena Bonham Carter shines a light on extraordinary stories from World War Two. Join her for incredible tales of deception, acts of resistance and courage.A BBC Studios Audio production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds. Producer: Lorna Reader Executive Producer: Paul Smith Written by Alex von Tunzelmann Commissioning editor for Radio 4: Rhian Roberts
- 2 weeks ago29 min
History's Secret Heroes - Series 4: Sybil Kathigasu and the Price of Compassion
Why did a midwife risk her life to help the resistance during the Japanese occupation of Malaya? The remarkable story of how Sybil Kathigasu, with the help of her husband, secretly treated wounded soldiers and aided the guerillas. With historian and filmmaker Tim Doughty, Coco Bently, Kathigasu’s granddaughter and Law Siak Hong, cultural activist and heritage conservationist. Helena Bonham Carter shines a light on extraordinary stories from World War Two. Join her for incredible tales of deception, acts of resistance and courage.A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds. Producer: Lorna Reader Executive Producer: Paul Smith Written by Alex von Tunzelmann Commissioning editor for Radio 4: Rhian Roberts
- 3 weeks ago28 min
History's Secret Heroes - Series 4: Madeleine Riffaud’s Defiant Resistance
19-year-old Madeleine Riffaud is imprisoned and tortured for assassinating a German officer in broad daylight in Paris. Upon her release, she becomes one of the key players in the French Resistance. How did she do it? With historians Rick Stroud and Anne Sebba.Helena Bonham Carter shines a light on extraordinary stories from World War Two. Join her for incredible tales of deception, acts of resistance and courage.A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds. Producer: Lorna Reader Executive Producer: Paul Smith Written by Alex von Tunzelmann Commissioning editor for Radio 4: Rhian Roberts
- Oct 6, 202629 min
History's Secret Heroes - Series 4: Kiyoshi Tanimoto and the Atomic Bomb
In the aftermath of the Hiroshima bomb, a minister rushes towards the devastation to save his people. Little does he know that he’ll become a global hero.With historian Kim Brandt and Koko Kondo, Kiyoshi Tanimoto’s daughter. Archive of This Is Your Life courtesy of Reelin' In The Years Productions and Ralph Edwards Productions. Helena Bonham Carter shines a light on extraordinary stories from World War Two. Join her for incredible tales of deception, acts of resistance and courage.A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds. Producer: Suniti Somaiya Executive Producer: Paul Smith Written by Alex von Tunzelmann Commissioning editor for Radio 4: Rhian Roberts
- Sep 29, 202628 min
History's Secret Heroes - Series 4: Pamela Churchill’s Special Relationships
Pamela Churchill, newly married to the Prime Minister’s son, becomes a key diplomatic figure in the war effort. How did she use her charm to help sway U.S. sentiment towards aiding Britain? With biographer Sonia Purnell and Chris James, Pamela Churchill’s nephew. Helena Bonham Carter shines a light on extraordinary stories from World War Two. Join her for incredible tales of deception, acts of resistance and courage.A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds. Producer: Suniti Somaiya Executive Producer: Paul Smith Written by Alex von Tunzelmann Commissioning editor for Radio 4: Rhian Roberts
- Sep 22, 202629 min
History's Secret Heroes - Series 4: The Ovitz Family
The Ovitz family were a group of theatrical performers from Romania, seven of whom had dwarfism. When their mother was dying she urged them to stick together, guard each other and live for one another. How did they defy the odds and survive Auschwitz? With actor Warwick Davies, biographer Eilat Negev and historian Warren Rosenblum. Helena Bonham Carter shines a light on extraordinary stories from World War Two. Join her for incredible tales of deception, acts of resistance and courage.A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds. Producer: Suniti Somaiya Executive Producer: Paul Smith Written by Alex von Tunzelmann Commissioning editor for Radio 4: Rhian Roberts
- Sep 15, 202628 min
History's Secret Heroes - Series 4: Airey Neave: Escape from Colditz Castle
Captured by the Nazis, Lieutenant Airey Neave is sent to Colditz Castle, a high-security prisoner of war camp in Germany. No British prisoner has ever escaped from here before. After months of preparation, and armed with a careful disguise, can he evade the notorious guard patrols and their dogs?With biographer Patrick Bishop and Marigold Webb, Airey Neave’s daughter. Helena Bonham Carter shines a light on extraordinary stories from World War Two. Join her for incredible tales of deception, acts of resistance and courage.A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds. Producer: Suniti Somaiya Executive Producer: Paul Smith Written by Alex von Tunzelmann Commissioning editor for Radio 4: Rhian Roberts
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About History's Heroes
History's Heroes: the BBC's breathtaking, high stakes, story-led history podcast feed that shines a light on extraordinary people from across history. Series include 'History's Heroes' with narration from Historian Alex von Tunzelmann, 'History's Toughest Heroes' with narration from Ray Winstone, 'History's Youngest Heroes' with narration from Nicola Coughlan and 'History's Secret Heroes' with narration from Helena Bonham Carter. In History's Heroes, Historian Alex von Tunzelmann (Radio 4's The History Podcast: The Lucan Obsession/writer of all the History's Heroes series) shines a light on the inspiring and unusual stories of courage, pioneering and people who used their voice to spark change. Heroes covered include groundbreaking surgeon Harold Gillies, composers Rodgers and Hammerstein and swimming champion Gertrude Ederle. Stories feature bold voices, brave ideas and the courage to stand alone. In History's Toughest Heroes, Ray Winstone reveals wild, true tales of endurance and survival.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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